CarMax, Inc. (KMX) vs LKQ Corporation (LKQ)
A side-by-side comparison of CarMax, Inc. and LKQ Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 20, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
KMX
CarMax, Inc.
$58.95Consumer CyclicalAt close: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
LKQ
LKQ Corporation
$25.86Consumer CyclicalAt close: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — KMX vs LKQ
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yKMX -0.2% (-0.0%/yr)LKQ -16.9% (-1.8%/yr)KMX compounded faster over this window
KMX LKQ
KMX vs LKQ: by the numbers
- •KMX is the larger company ($8.37B vs $6.54B market cap).
- •LKQ trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (14.37 vs 36.61 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •LKQ converts more revenue to profit (3.37% vs 0.84% net margin).
- •KMX grew revenue faster over the past five years (2.39% vs 1.66% CAGR).
- •LKQ pays a dividend (4.64% yield), while KMX has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | KMX | LKQ |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 36.61 | 14.37 |
| Forward P/E | 21.88 | 9.47 |
| P/S ratio | 0.32 | 0.48 |
| P/B ratio | 1.37 | 1.02 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 8.77 |
| FCF yield | 11.86% | 9.49% |
Profitability
| Metric | KMX | LKQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 10.24% | 37.66% |
| Operating margin | -1.85% | 6.79% |
| Net margin | 0.84% | 3.37% |
| ROE | 3.64% | 7.15% |
| ROIC | -1.21% | 5.62% |
Dividends
| Metric | KMX | LKQ |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 4.64% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 51.06% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | KMX | LKQ |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 2.39% | 1.66% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -18.18% | 2.28% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 13.85% | -13.37% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -13.85% | -10.36% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, KMX or LKQ?
- LKQ has the lower trailing P/E: KMX trades at 36.61 and LKQ at 14.37. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, KMX or LKQ?
- Over the past five years, KMX grew revenue faster — KMX at a 2.39% CAGR versus LKQ at 1.66%.
- Does KMX or LKQ pay a bigger dividend?
- LKQ pays a dividend (4.64% yield), while KMX has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is KMX or LKQ more profitable?
- LKQ runs the higher net margin — KMX at 0.84% versus LKQ at 3.37%.
- How have KMX and LKQ total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, KMX delivered -0.06% and LKQ delivered -1.91% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CarMax P/E ratioLKQ P/E ratioLKQ dividend yieldCarMax ROELKQ ROECarMax operating marginLKQ operating marginCarMax revenue growthLKQ revenue growthCarMax free cash flowLKQ free cash flow
CarMax & LKQ appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 20, 2026.